Donations sought for benefit for young mother with cancer

Lisa Ward, 29, teaches middle school at Excel Alternative Program School in Atkinson. The cancer, diagnosed last year, has spread to some lymph nodes and a rib, and she is undergoing chemotherapy in Peoria.

Lisa and her husband, Matt Ward, have a 5-month-old daughter, Lilah.

The Wards have insurance, but money raised will go to help with medical, transportation, and other costs, said Erica Ernst, a friend of Lisa’s and one of the benefit’s organizers.

Breakfast will be served from 8 to 10 a.m. for $5.50 Dyl’s Deli, 13464 Galt Road. Poker run participants will leave at 10 a.m. and return around 4 p.m. The cost is $20 per vehicle, and all vehicles, even snowmobiles, are welcome.

The benefit will start at 4 p.m. and will include the silent auction, a 50/50 drawing, a DJ, karaoke and food and drink specials. There will be a card drawing at 6 p.m. (poker run participants automatically will be entered).

Admission to the benefit only is $5.

Monetary donations may be made to the Lisa Ward fund at Illinois Mississippi Valley Credit Union in Prophetstown.

Call Brent Zaagman at 815-718-4479 for more information about the poker run.

Call Ernst at 309-714-1102 to donate auction items or for more information about the benefit.